Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate

On October 13, 2005, the European Commission launched Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate as a foundation for a discussion about the future of the European Union (EU). Plan D aims to support communication and debate regarding EU activities by examining the need to take into account citizens’ expectations.
Following the rejection of the European Constitution by French and Dutch voters in June 2005, the Heads of State and Government called for a “period of reflection” to allow member states to begin national discussions about the future of Europe. Plan D seeks to facilitate this process of national debate by establishing a framework for dialogue and discussion.
Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate, developed by the European Commission, establishes a process aimed at encouraging broader discussion about the future of the EU between EU institutions and citizens. A debate about the future of Europe must address the needs and expectations of citizens, so that they continue to have trust and participate in representative democracy. Plan D therefore concerns dialogue, debate, and listening to the needs and expectations of citizens. It also seeks to encourage communication about EU activities by targeting specific audiences (for example, young people) and using mass media such as television and the Internet as an interactive forum for political discussion.
Plan D must lead to a new consensus on the European Project and has two main objectives:
a) to support national discussions about the future of Europe;
b) to propose initiatives for strengthening dialogue, public debate, and citizen participation.